Page printer



31, 0- E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT 2,227,141

PAGE PRINTER Filed Jan. 21, 1937 I0 shegis-sheex 1 INVENTOR EDWARD KLElNSOHMIDT wnm PAGE PRINTER Filed Jan. 21, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

INVENTOR EDWARD E. KLEINSCHMIDT ATTOR EY Dec. 31', 1940 a. g. KLEINSCHMIDT 2,227,141

PAGE PRINTER Filed Jan. 21, 71937 10 Sheet-S heet- 4 INVENTOR EDWARD E. KLEINSCHMIDT ATTOR Y Dec. 31, 1940. E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT' PAGE PRINTER 10 Sheets- Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 21, 1937 ISI FIG. 26

352 296 29: 358 36] I88 g m FIG. 7

INVENTOR KLEINSCHMIDT v EDWARD E.

ATTORN Y Dec. 31, 1940. E. Ei KLEIN SCHMIDT A PAGE PRINTER Filecl Jan. 21, 1931 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR FIG. 2a

E. KLEINSOHMIDT EDWARD FIG. 27

- ATTORN E Dec. 31, 1940. E. a. KLEINSCHMIDT 2,227,141

PAGE PRINTER Filed Jan. 2;, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR EDWARD E. KLEINSGHMIDT F/W" X ATTORNE Dec. 31, 19 40. E. E. KLEIN$CHMIDT PAGE PRINTER Filed Ja 21, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 I {2 INVENTOR EDWARD E. KLEINSCHMID'I ATTORN Y "will 31, 1940 E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT 2,227,141

PAGE PRINTER Filed Jan. 21, 1937 3% FIG. 23G

10 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR EDWARD E. KLEINSGHMIDT Dec. 31, 1940.

E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT men Palm-m Filed Jan. 21, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 mmm m villi/Illa. 7/4-7/2-7/2/ 5 W m a i R.

Q9 m2 N9 mm 9 J m mum, K. m E V ND R ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 31, 1940 PATENT OFFICE PAGE PRINTER Edward E. Kleinschmidt, Highland Park, 111., as-

signor to Teletypefiorporation, Chicago, 111., a. V corporation of Delaware Application January 21, 1937, Serial No. 121,520

24 Claims.

The present invention relates to telegraph apparatus and more particularly to telegraphically controlled printing devices employing pneumatic actuating mechanism under the control of elec- 5 tricalsignals.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing telegraph apparatus in which pneumatic actuating and control mediums are employed to perform its several functions, and in which the distribution of fluid surgesfor performing the various control functions is supervised by a pneumatic distributing element under pneumatic impulses.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a receiving printer operated pneumatically, which is simple and reliable, and which includes a minimum of parts for the performance of its several functions.

In the attainment of these and other objects of the present invention there are contemplated several mechanical embodiments concerning carriage return and line feed mechanisms, pneumatic'selector apparatus, and pneumatic distributing organs utilizing a single revolution for the performance of two complete cycles of supervision and operation. Fluid pressure is generated at a central distribution source whence it is led to the distributing organ and to a control valve which supervises a pneumatic selector mechanism.

Thefluid passing through the distributing organ is released during rhythmically regulated surges through certain channels for effecting synchronism of a principal operating shaft 35 through which the distributor mechanism is controlled. Through certain other channels, surges are admitted selectively for conditioning for operation one piston of a pair of sets of selector pistons whose ultimate function is the positioning 40 of a corresponding set of plates. In accordance with the plate arrangement, each is provided with aficertain distribution of openings or channels which cooperates with the openings of its adjacent plates to result in the establishment of a continuous path between a source of fluid supply originating with the aforementioned selector branch of fluid supply and an ultimate destination comprised of one of the type actuating pistons or one or another of the auxiliary function actuating pistons.

A salient feature of the present invention is the provision of pneumatically operative mechanism for executing all of the incidental functions to page printing, viz., line feed, carriage return, etc., which mechanism is capable of initiating said incidental functions during the same cycle in which the signal relating to such function is received by the printer receiving and distributing apparatus.

A more comprehensive understanding of the present invention may be obtained by referring to the accompanying drawings and to the following detailed description wherein like reference characters are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout and wherein Fig. 1 is a plan view of a page printing mechanism having pneumatically .actuated control organs which are supervised by means of conventional telegraph transmitting apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view with portions broken'away taken on an oblique angle indicated by the section line 2-2 on Fig, 5;

Fig. 3 is a detail elevation showing the central operating shaft of the distributing organ in section. The location of this figure is indicated by the section line 3--3 on Fig. 1;

Fig 4 is a transverse sectional view through the distributing organ and printing mechanism taken on an oblique sectional line indicated 44 on Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately on line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a detailed end elevation of the shiftable carriage mechanism viewed from a line in the proximity of line 6--6 illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a plan sectional view with portions broken away of the printing unit base casting;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary transverse sectional View taken approximately on line 88 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a detail elevational view of the dis- 3'5 tributor face plate;

Fig. 10 is a sectional plan View of theunit featuring the ribbon shift mechanism;

Figs. 11 to 16, inclusive, are plan details of distribution channel plates and partitioning shims for routing the selector ducts from the selector mechanism to their respective actuating bellows;

. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of certain elements of the pneumaticdistributor featured in connection with the present disclosure;

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of several elements comprising the pnuematic selector mechanism featured in connection with the present invention;

Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional View taken 5 approximately on line [9-19 of Figs. 5 or 18;

Fig. 20 is a sectional detail view taken approximately on line 2Il2ll of Figs. 5 or 18;

. Fig. 21 is a sectional detail view taken approxima tely on line 2I2l of Figs. 5 or 18; 1-

Fig. 22 is an end elevationof the distributor block; I

Fig. 23 is a View reverse to that of Fig. 22 featuring the rear of the distributor block;

Figs. 23A to 23K are a group of figures featuring the selector plates illustrated in the selector mechanism of Fig. 18;

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary plan detail view featuring the operating mechanism for the carriage shift and line feed;

Fig. 25 is a diagrammatic pneumatic circuit illustration in which the several elements are representatively illustrated by symbolic conventions;

Fig. 26 is a detail isometric view of certain of the mechanism revealed by cutting transversely the base and main castings; and

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary detail view of the line feed mechanism associated with the carriage platen.

Referring particularly to the accompanying drawings, the reference character ll indicates a base or floor plate upon which the several units constituting the present apparatus are mounted. A motor l2 through worm wheel l3 drives a worm gear l4 which is secured upon a driven shaft 15 journaled in one of the frame standards I6. An

end disc i1 is secured to shaft I5 and in opposition thereto, a companion disc [8 is urged by a spring l9, frictionally gripping therebetween a plate 26 which is free to rotate upon a stub shaft 21 anchored in the distributor block 28. Motion is communicated from driven shaft 24 to plate 25 through the medium of a coupling bar or crank arm 29 which is integrally formed with a cam disc 3| secured to and rotatable with shaft 24. Since the distributor mechanism is designed to perform two complete operations for each rotation, its several moving organs are provided with symmetrically duplicated portions. Accordingly, cam 3i may be noted to have two side cam projections 32, see Fig. 3, which control the. operation of a set of periodically operated pneumatic valves, while distributor plate 26 is provided with two stop lugs 33 for enabling the system to be arrested at the termination of either of its phases or cycles.

Distribution system As maybe noted from Figs. 9 and 1'7, the rotatable plate 26 and the distributor plate 64 are provided with several arteries for connecting a common source of fluid supply with each of a plurality of distributive ducts or channels. The central distribution point from which supply fluid is obtained is indicated in Fig. 2 by the reference character 34. From this source, one branch indicated 35 communicates with the selector unit. Fluid pressure issuing over this branch seeks out a selected alignment of openings, as will be indicated hereinafter, and ultimately operates a pneumatic piston for performing a printing function or a collateral operation.

Another branch indicated 36, see also Fig. 1'7, carries fluid supply from source 34 to the proximity of the adjunct distributor block 31, Fig. 17.

Branch 36 continues through a hole 38 in block adjunct block 31. From this point the passageway is doubled back through the ducts 4| and 42 and slot 43 of an end block 48 to reenter the block 31. The reentrant orifice of slot 43 is presented in alignment with a mid-point between a pair of opposite slots 44 and 45 of block 31. The passageway connecting said slots is controlled by a shuttle lever 46 pivoted at 41 and urged by a spring 48 into its counterclockwise extremity, as viewed in Figs. 3 and 17, which position is limited by a stop pin 49. When in this position, an opening 5| at one end of lever 46 aligns and connects the slot 43 with the lowermost slot 45 of the pair of slots 44 and 45, while at the same time isolating the upper slot 44.

During its alternative position, lever 46 is limited by a stop pin 52. The movement of lever 46 into this position is actuated by an armature 53 pivoted at 54 and influenced by a magnet 55. The foremost portion of armature 53 is provided with an adjustment screw 56 which engages one .end of lever 46, urging the latter in opposition to its return spring 48. It may be noted, Figs. 3 and 17, that during the energized condition of magnet 55, common slot 43 is in communication with the upper slot 44, while during the deenergized condition of magnet 55, the common slot 43 is associated with the lower continuation slot 45. Beyond the adjunct distributor block 31, the continuation slots 44 and 45 align with a pair of ducts 51 and 58, whence the channelway proceeds a short distance inwardly and then leftwardly, see Figs. 17 and 23, over courses 59 and 6|, doubling back and emerging through ducts 62 and 63.

A stationary face plate 64, Figs. 9 and 17, is securely held against the surface of block 28 by a pair of anchor clips 65, Fig. 3. Through the plate 64 there continue a pair of ducts 66 and 61 which align with the emergent ducts 62 and 63 of block 28. Upon the foremost surface of face plate 64 the passage-Ways thus far traced develop into a pair. of arcuate channels 68 and 69 of symmetrical formation, which register alternately with two sets of openings in the distributor plate 26, one set of which is indicated by the reference characters 1i and 12, and the other set by the reference characters 13 and 14.

Opening 1| doubles back through a U-shaped artery 15, exiting at 16, while opening 12 doubles back through a similar U-shaped artery 11, exiting at 18. The exit openings 16 and 18, during the rotation of distributor plate 26, successively encounter a short arcuate recess 19 in the face plate 6.4. Continuing from the recess 19, there is provided a channel 8! which registers with a continuation channel 82 in distributor block 28. After emerging from distributor block 28, the channel continues leftwardly across a ridge 83 formed in the surface of a pivot supporting bar 84. The ridge B3 terminates at a point in communication with a piston chamber 80 in block 28 within which the start-stop piston 85 resides. Thus it may be observed that the passageways just traced provide operating fluid for actuating the start-stop release piston 85, whose function is the'r'elease of distributor plate 26 in timed relationship with received telegraphic signals.

Piston 85 is provided with an enlarged piston head 86 which acts against a projecting pin 81, Fig. 3, located at the extremity of release pawl 88. The latter is pivoted upon a transversely extending shaft 89 supported in a pair of ears 9| integrally formed with a radially adjustable sector ,block 92.

As may be noted from the arcuate configuration of slots 93 and 94, sector block 92 is capable of being radially adjusted within the limits afforded by slots 93 and 94, and in accordance with the position thereof the stop tooth of release pawl 88 may be varied angularly to afford a means of orientation or adjustment of the stop position of distributor plate 26. It is noted that stop lugs 33 are disposed to encounter stop tooth 95 during each half revolution which, in terms of the distributor mechanism, corresponds to a cycle of operation. Release pawl 88 is urged into its effective or stopping position by a spring 96 against whose influence the piston 85 operates inresponse to a cyclic fluid pulsation at the proper time interval for controlling the synchronism.

Referring again to the rotatable distributor plate 26, attention is directed to the openings I3 and 14, the former of which connects through a transverse duct 91 with a re-emergent opening 98, while the latter similarly connects through a transverse duct 99 with a re-emergent opening IOI. Each of the openings 98 and IOI during its movement radially about shaft 21, encounters in successive sequence a pairof sets of five openings indicated I02, I03, I04, I05, and I06, which extend through the face plate 64. Each of the openings I02 to I06, of which there are two series disposed in diametrical opposition, registers in alignment with a piston chamber associated with a corresponding series of pistons indicated I01, I08, I09, III, and H2 (Fig. 23).

Recalling again that flutter lever 46 determines the admission of operating fluid to one or the other of the arcuate recesses 68 and 69, it will be noted that the distribution of operating fluid is accordingly routed alternatively to one of the pistons I01 to H2 or to its diametrically opposite pistons, I0'Ia to NM. As a result of this arrangement, it will be noted hereinafter that the selection and movement of a selector plate I23 to I21, under the control of pistons I01 to H2 and I0'Ia to MM, is at all times effective positively by one of its diametrically opposite pair of pistons in contradistinction with a conventional or heretofore known practice or construction employing spring return means for the selector plates, or in contradistinction with a conventional practice employing a common cyclically actuated return means.

Selector apparatus Having particular reference now to Figs. 2, 4,

' 19, and 23A to 23K, it will be observed that the selector pistons I09 and I09a (Fig. 4) being diametrically opposed about the axis 29, are connected to the disc terminals II3 of levers II4 pivoted at I l 5 upon a shaft which passes through the several spacing ears IIB which are integrally formed with the pivot supporting bar 84. The actuation of a lever I I4 and hence the positioning of its corresponding selector plate is under the control of the pair of pistons I09 and I09a. Fig. 22 shows how the central single connecting lever I I4 is associated with the pair of pistons I09 and H191; while half length levers, associated in pairs, jointly serve the other pairs of pistons I0II0Ia, I00I08a, etc.

One selector plate indicated in Fig. 23F is distinguishable by reason of its single connecting with but single disc terminals II3 each. This mode of construction is convenient because the remaining selector plates, excepting the one indicated in Fig. 23F, are movable into each of their alternative positions by pistons I98, III, II2, etc., not in transverse alignment but offset from the axial center 21, as best indicated in Figs. 22 and 23.

The course of fluid pulsations for actuating the selector pistons I08, I09, etc., will now be described. It will be recalled that the fluid supply obtained from source 34 is led over a branch 36, branch 38, etc., to the proximity of the shuttle valve 46 where, in response to a marking or current condition on a line, magnet 55 is energized and accordingly communication is established between slot 43 and opposite slot 44 for directing the fluid pressure over the aforedescribed channels to the recess 68. In response to spacing or no-current condition, on the. other hand, with the magnet 55 deenergized, communication is established by shuttle valve 46 between common slot 43 and opposite slot 45, causing fluid pressure to be communicated through the several described avenues to the arcuate channel 69.

Each opening 73 and I4 is in communication, during successive cycles, with the channels 68 and 69 alternatively when, during the course of a cycle distributor plate 26 rotates the reemergent openings 98 and NI traversing and communicating with the chambers of the pistons I08, I09, etc., through the intermediate series of openings I02, I03, etc., and I02ct, I03a, etc. Accordingly, during each radial position of distributor plate 26 when, for example, re-emergent opening 98 is in alignment with the upper face plate opening I02, then re-emergent opening IOI is in alignment with lower face plate opening I92a; when re-emergent opening 98 registers with upper opening I03, re-emergent opening IOI registers with lower opening I03a, etc.

As a result of this condition of alternative alignment, fluid supply distributed by shuttle lever 46 is communicable alternatively over the two aforedescribed courses so that either an upper or lower of a pair of pistons I08, I09, etc., is in each instance positively actuated by the introduction of a fluid surge. The opposite or nonenergized piston of each pair is mechanically restored by its associated lever H4 or IE0, and as this occurs the displaced fluid is forced back through an opening I02, I03, etc., and the other portion of the course including the various channels and openings 99, 62 or 63, 59 or GI through the opposite slots 44 or 45 not in communication with the fluid supply source. Thus, as one of the alternative courses functions in the capacity of a pressure supply conduit, its alternative one functions in the capacity of a bleeder outlet.

The selector mechanism comprises essentially I22 there are arranged the stack of selector plates I23, I24, I25, I26, and I27, while intervening the aforedescribed selector plates are the foraminated spacer shims or partitioning elements I28, I29, I3I, and I32. In surface engagement with the first selector plate I23 is the distributor block I33, Figs. 18 and 23K, which consists essentially of a rectangularly topped block having eight openings I34 arranged in two parallel alignments of four each. As the bottom selector plate I23 isshifted into its, alternative positions as indicated in Fig. 23J, there may be brought into registration with the corresponding openings I34 of block I33, the upper set of four openings I35 or the lower set of four openings l36, each set being registerable with its particular openings I34 to the exclusion of the other, and as each set is brought into registration, it is also made to register with the openings I31 of the spacer shim I28 which at all times are in alignment with the block openings I34.

Each set of openings I35 or I36 is divided into two columns of two openings each, and by means of the selector plate I26 which is positionable al ternatively, the communication of the alignment of openings may be continued alternatively with the right or left-hand pair or column of openings I38 or I39. Thus the positioning of plate I24 selects two of the four openings I35 or I36 for continued communication thereafter through the partitioning shim I29.

On the other side of the partitioning shim I29 there is located the selector plate I25, Fig. 23F, whose two groups of openings are alternately staggered so as to present left side openings MI and right side openings I42. Thus, in accordance with the positioning of plate I25, a further determination may be made for selecting between the remaining two classes of openings, determined by the preceding selector plate I24, thus restricting the passageway to but a single opening through the partitioning shim I3I. Selector plates I26 and I21 differ from the previously described selector plates by reason of their having elongated openings I63 designed to register in the first instance, for example, with the openings I44 of partitioning shim I33 and openings I45 of the partitioning shim I 32.

In one of the positions of plate I26, the openings I43 establish communication between the holes I44 and the holes I45 in the first and third vertical columns of shim I32, counting from the left of Fig. 230, while during its alternative position, as indicated in dotted outline in Fig. 23D, the openings I43 establish communication between said holes I44 and the openings I45 of shim I32 of its second and fourth vertical columns. In the same manner that selector plate I26 enlarges the class of selective possibilities of the openings in shim I3I, so also does selector plate I 21 enlarge the class of selective possibiliites of shim I32, making them alternatively communicable with the rows of openings I46 or I41 of the base casting I48.

It will be noted that by means of the five selector plates I23 to I21 there may be selectively established thirty-two individually attainable routings which terminate at one of the openings I46 or I41 in the base casting I48, the operating fluid originating at the distributor block I33.

Routin scheme Viewing now Figs. 4, 11 to 16, and 19, it will be observed that base casting I48 has a milled face conforming in outline to the lower surface of the main frame casting I49. Between base casting I48 and the frame casting I49 there may be noted a number of thicknesses of sheet metal indicated I5I to I56. Of these, the ones indicated I52, I54, and I56 are somewhat thicker than the others and are provided with variously extending canals which serve to distribute, route, or expand the thirty-two original emergent openings I51 of base casting I48 to connect them with divers outlying channels and openings in the frame casting I49 and also in other portions of the base casting I48,

as will be indicated more particularly hereinafter.

The intervening elements I5I, I53, and I55 constitute partitioning shims which define the aforementioned canals in the relatively thicker elements and which afford additional openings for connecting and promoting the distribution of the canals transversely to contiguous elements. This plate sandwich construction affords a mode of distributing and expanding a large number of minute conduits without having to perform complex drilling or other expensive machining operations.

The several elements are superimposed upon each other as best indicated in Fig. 4, and the continuation of each selective channelway may be traced by observing the relative location of the openings in the elements I5I to I 56; the final dis tribution of the traversing channelways being manifest by the openings in the top shim I5I which is assembled contiguous to the under surface of frame casting I49. Here it will be noted that the major portion of the openings are aligned to form two arcuate groups. These coincide in position to the arrangement of the chambers which house the type bar actuating pistons I58, see especially Fig. 10.

Printing and case shifting The pistons I58 each are disposed beneath a tail projection I59 of a type bar I6I, Figs. 4 and 5, and by means of their flat vane heads I62, each is adapted to cam its type bar tail portion I59 about the arcuate pivot rod I63, causing the particular type bar to be rocked against the action of an individual return spring I64. As may be noted from Figs. 2 and 5, each type bar I6I carries at its extremity a type carrying block I65 customarily equipped with upper and lower case characters. The arrangement of type bars I6I is arched, as best indicated in Figs. 1 and 10, and upon being pivoted about the common pivot rod I63, the type block I65 of each type bar I6I may be brought into printing engagement at a focal point above the centering guide I66. In the normal or unshift position, the lower character of each type block I65 is adapted to come into printing engagement with the paper carried upon a printing platen I61, as indicated in dotted outline in Fig. 5, but by shifting the entire platen carrying carriage, as indicated in dotted outline in Fig. 6, a different printing engagement is effected, bringing the platen I61 into printing alignment with the upper character of each type block I65.

In shifting outwardly, the platen carriage is movable as a unit and is supported upon a bail I68 (Fig. 6), having the side arms I69 and Ill on each of which there is provided an elongated slot I12 through which there protrude movement limiting pins I13. Parallel movement is constrained by reason of the links I 14, one of which is pivoted at the end of each arm I69 and [H at the pivotal point indicated I15 and secured to the base casting I48 upon pivot screw I16. Being supported at an inclination, the carriage assembly, generally indicated by the reference character I11, tends to gravitate into the position featured in solid lines, Fig. 6, but definite control over this function is exercised by a pair of actuating pistons indicated I18 and I19, Figs. 2, 4, and 24.

Upon the introduction of operating fiuid into the chamber of piston I19, it is urged outwardly, carrying with it the longitudinally shiftable stub shaft l8l and the latters several appurtenances which include the line feed arm I 82, the spacer gear I83, and the pinion I84. As may be noted from Figs. 7 and 24, shaft I8I is longitudinally movable throughout a distance corresponding to the width of the transverse space I because within this space is confined the pin I86 which extends perpendicularly of shaft I8I. In addition to being journaled at I81 within the main casting block, the shaft is also pivotally borne within a supporting sleeve I88 which protrudes inwardly of the collar I89 which is integral with the aforementioned pinion I84.

Also formed with collar I89 is a flange I9I against the face of which there rests the disc terminal I92 (Fig. 24) of a first-class lever I93 pivoted on a shoulder screw I94. Against the rear face of flange I 9I there is adapted to urge the enlarged head I95 of piston I19, while against the end of lever I93 opposite disc I92 there urges the foremost portion of piston I18. It may be noted that upon the actuation of piston I18, lever I93 is rocked counterclockwise about pivot I94, Figs. 24 and 26, forcing the flange I9I as well as shaft I8I and its appurtenances rearwardly into the so-called unshift position whereat pin I86 occupies the rearmost portion of transverse space I85. Through piston I19 the assembly is moved forwardly by the engagementof enlarged head I95 of piston I19 with flange I 9I shifting the carriage into its so-called shift or upper case printing position. The actuation of either piston I18 or I19 serves, through flange I9I and lever I93, to restore its alternative piston into its normal or non-actuating position.

During the procedure of the following descrip tion, the pneumatic circuits of certain ones of the functions will be traced from the source of fluid supply to their ultimate destinations and from these it may be understood how divers type actuating and collateral printing functions may be accomplished through the medium of the thirty-two primary selectable ducts which may be recognized in the rectangular grouping of openings in the partitioning element I56, Fig. 16, and in the base casting I 48, Fig. 23A, which is contiguous to said partitioning element I56. For convenience in tracing the various routes, the descriptions in some instances will proceed in the reverse order beginning with the destination and coursing back through the selectable openings I46 or I41, their immediate source of origin.

Miscellaneous supervision In Fig. 26, a duct I96'leads from the chamber of piston I18,through opening I91, Fig. 11, canal I98, Fig. 12, and openings I99a, I991), I990, and IBM of the partitioning elements I53, I54, I55, and I56, respectively, Figs. 13 to 16, to the opening 28I, Fig. 26, which aligns with a groove between the contiguous pistons 262 and 283 of a series of contiguous pistons which also include the ones indicated 284, 285 and. the ultimate valve piston 286. Taking up again at canal I98, the course is traceable to opening 281a, 261b, and 2610 to a short canal 268 of partitioning element I66, Fig. 16, which aligns opposite the selectable opening indicated 289, Fig. 23A.

When a selective fluid surge is received through opening 269, therefore, fluid pressure is communicated on the one hand to the chamber of the unshift piston I18, and on the other hand to the space intervening the contiguous pistons 202 and 283. As has been said, the contiguous pistons 262 through 265 are arranged in tandem and the endmost one 8 abuts a valve 286. It is the function of valve 206 to control, by repressing, the issuance of an operating fluid surge which executes a space or character feed operation. In its normal position, piston valve 206 is disposed so that an annular groove 2I9 therein aligns with and therefore connects a pair of openings 2I4, one of which is indicated in Fig. 26 and the other of which is similar and parallel thereto and preferably equidistant but opposite the section line upon which Fig. 26 has been taken, and which traverses the valve chamber of pistons 202 to 206, permitting fluid to pass from one to the other as will be described later. At certain times, however, under the control of any one of the tandem pistons 202 to 205, the valve piston 286 is shifted against the influence of its return spring 22I, displacing the annular groove 2I9 so that it is out of alignment with the pair of openings 2I4, cutting oiT the fluid path thereat and preventing operating fluid from continuing on to the space actuating piston 2I I, Fig. 4.

The circuit for accomplishing the spacing function may be traced from the chamber of piston 2II, Figs. 2 and 4, through the canal 2I2, Fig. 16, which aligns at 2I3 opposite one of the pair of openings 2I4. The other of the pair of openings 2I4 aligns with an opening 2I5 in partitioning element I56, Fig. 16, 2I5a in partitioning shim I55, Fig. 15, and a channel 216 in partitioning element I54, Fig. 14. Channel 2I6 extends transversely and aligns with an opening 2I1 in partitioning shim I55 and an opening 2I1a in partitioning element I56. The opening 2I1a continues downwardly through the base casting I48 and may be seen again as the transverse opening 2I8, Fig. 18, which extends through the cylindrical housing II9, to a trough 222 formed in the distributor disc 223 and preferably also in the gasket 224. I

From here the path is traceable through the transverse opening 225 of the distributor disc 223, groove 226 in a bottom plate 221, to the central'lopening 228. The central opening 228 communicates with a chamber 229, best seen in Fig. 19, which connects with the central compartment 23I when the valvular disc 232 on valve rod 233 is withdrawn, as indicated in Fig. 19, against the tendency of compression spring 234. The central compartment 23! is an enclosure into which operating fluid is continuously admitted over duct 235 and groove 235a from the aforedescribed supply branch 35, Figs. 18 and 19.

Bottom plate 221 is an element secured to the distributor disc 223 and its central compartment 23I is communicable with two chambers 229 aforedescribed and 231, Fig. 20, which resembles chamber 229. Chamber 236, Fig. 21, does not communicate with the pressure supply compartment 23I but instead with an aperture 26I connected over duct 259 with the space underlying the elastic diaphragm 256 discussed later. Each of the chambers 229 and 231 may be shut off from the central compartment 23I by its valvular disc 232 which is carried upon its valve rod 233, or 239, in the manner already described. The administration of operating fluid for certain purposes thus is supervised within the bottom plate 221 and moreover, the control is effected by means of a single control rod 24L see also Figs. 2, 3, and 4.

This control rod 24I, Figs. 20 and 21, carries.

secured to it a single finger bracket 242 and a double finger bracket 243, the former extending upwardly at the rear of bottom plate 221 and engaging the protruding end of a valve rod 238 and the latter extending upwardly in front of bottom plate 221, Fig. 18, and presenting each of its fingers to align with one of the rods 233 and 233. Accordingly, when control rod 24I is pushed forward, as is its condition in Figs. 19 and 20, valve rods 233 and 233 are shifted longitudinally against the action of their individual springs 234, opening communication between the central compartment 23I and their respective chambers 229 and 231 and closing the valve 232 of chamber 236, but when rod MI is pulled back, valve rods 233 and 239 are permitted to seal while valve rod 238 is opened by single finger bracket 242. The opening of the valve in chamber 236, Fig. 21, affords an avenue of escape to fluid from beneath the diaphragm 255 over duct 253, compartment 26I, chamber 236, and bleeder hole 262.

Probing fluid is introduced into the space, beneath diaphragm 256 and thereafter to the openings in plates I23 to I21, under the control of valve stem 239, Fig. 20. This element acting concurrently with the letter space controlling valve stem 233, Fig. 19, admits fluid under pressure to the space over the course which includes compartment 23I, chamber 231, and duct 228a.

The longitudinal shifting of control rod 241 is executed by a follower lever 244, Figs. 1, 3, and 4, to which it is connected at 248, and which is pivoted at a stationary pivotal point 245, and whose follower projection 246 is urged by a spring 241 into engagement with the side cam projections 32 of cam disc 3|. In this manner, the actuation of the valves in bottom plate 221 will be recognized as having cyclic performances under the supervision of the invariable and regu lar actuation of cam disc 3I.

Recalling now that the aforetraced letter spacing function is periodically stimulated by the action of rod 24I through valve 233, it will be apparent that this control, as well as others to be explained hereinafter, are among those periodically initiated by the distributor mechanism, except for the intervention of the tandem .controlled valve 286, Fig. 26, which represses the letter spacing function under certain predetermined circumstances.

Referring again to the details of the selector mechanism featured in Figs. 18 to 21, and 23A to 23K, it will be recalled that the set of selector plates I23 to I21 are supported between the cylindrical sectors I2I and I22 which are shown as being integrally formed with the base casting I48. In Fig. 18, these sectors are illustrated as extending into the cylindrical housing H9 and, for the sake of exposing the inner construction, as having been severed from the base casting I48. Between the sectors I2I and I22 are slidably housed the several selector plates 523 to I21 and their intervening foraminated shims I28 to I32. Sufficient space intervenes the bottom space 249 of base casting I48 and the top surfaces 25 I, Fig. 19,

of cylindrical housing H3 to permit of an easy and unrestricted freedom to the several selector plates I23 to I21 so that they may be shifted without resistance between their positions, as indicated in solid and broken lines in Fig. 23B, 23D, 23F, 23H. and 23J. The shims I28 to I32 are not thus shiftable because their shoulders 252 define snugly the corner walls 253 of the cylindrical sectors I2I and I22. A selecting fluid is introduced through block 133 into the openings at the extreme surface of selector plate I23 which, probing its several possible avenues of communication, percolates through one alignment of openings I35, I36, I31, etc., until it reaches its ultimate destination, a type bar actuating piston or other function performing pneumatic device.

In the introduction of the selecting fluid, there is employed the already described floating distributor block I33, as indicated in Fig. 19, comprising an enclosure which chambers snugly within the'cylindrical housing H9 and which has a central vault 254 with which communicates the already described openings I34 on the upper side of distributor block I33 and the valvular nozzle 255 on the bottom side. The chamber within which distributor block I33 is supported is of such depth as to permit of some vertical movement on the part of distributor block I33. An elastic diaphragm 256, whose periphery is secured air-tight between the distributor disc 223 and the cylindrical housing H9, is pierced by the valvular nozzle 255 sealed and secured to the latter and screw fitted into the bottom wall of distributor block I33. The foremost portion of nozzle 255 may be noted as extending downwardly into a recess 251, Figs. 18 and 19, of distributor disc 223 so that in the absence of buoyant fluid influences, distributor block I33 tends to precipitate to the bottom of the inner chamber of cylindrical housing I I9, burying the nose of valvular nozzle 255 into an elastic disc 258 thereat which, under such conditions, seals its channel from the adjacent space.

In a manner to be described later, selecting fluid is introduced first into the area beneath elastic diaphragm 256. In rapid sequence, the pressure built up in this space raises dis-tributor block I33, compressing the several selector plates I23 to I21 and binding them against fluid leakage and simultaneously valvular nozzle 255 is withdrawn sufficiently to permit its nose to clear the elastic disc 258. Thereupon the fluid under pressure enters through the central opening of valvular nozzle 255 and the central chamber 254 to probe the selecting openings I35, I38, I31, etc., and ultimately to operate a piston relating to a particular selection.

In the position illustrated in Fig. 3, the rotatable distributor plate 36 and its contemporaneously movable cam disc 3I are at res-t. When the initial fluid impulse actuates release pawl 88, starting the assembly carried by shaft 21 into clockwise rotation, follower lever 244 rides off side cam projection 32 permitting its spring 241 to rock said lever 244 clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 4. This shifts control rod 24I leftwardly, withdrawing double finger bracket 243, which had been depressing its valve rods 233 and 239, and moving single finger bracket 242 into position to depress its valve rod 238. As a result of this change of position, the probing and operating fluid is cut off from entering into chambers 229 and 231 from the central compartment 23I while at the same time the previously accumulated fluid pressure, which is found in the space beneath the diaphragm 256 as well as in the central chamber 254, will be dissipated out into the atmosphere through the opening 259, Fig. 21, front chamber 26L inner chamber 236, and bleeder hole 262.

It follows, therefore, that during the interval represented by the angular distance between the side cam projections 32 of cam disc 3 I, the aforedescribed selecting fluid pressure is withheld from the selector plates I23 and I21 as well as from the space beneath elastic diaphragm 256. Accordingly, during this interval, the selector plates are not frictionally restrained and may be shifted in Letter spacing Spacing piston 2 is provided at its foremost end with a node 263 which engages the hump 264 of a lever 265 pivoted at 266. At 261 lever 265 pivotally carries the bell crank 268, one arm of which terminates with a feed tooth 269 and another arm 21I of which is rounded at 212. Also, pivoted upon the pivot screw 266 is a three-armed lever, one arm of which constitutes a retaining I pawl 213, one arm of which constitutes a piston follower 214, while the third arm 215 is disposed 1 beneath the rounded end 212 of pawl arm 2H and terminates with a shouldered extremity 216.

A latch lever 211 is pivoted at 218 upon the downwardly extending projection integrally formed with the lever 265. One arm of latch lever 211 is connected by means of a coil spring 219 with a spring post on arm 21I of bell crank 268, while another arm 28I of latch lever 211 extends upwardly and is prepared to move into latch position behind the shoulder 219 of third arm 215 of said three-armed lever. In this, lever 211 is withheld when arm 215 of three-armed lever 213214 maintains the position in which it is shown in Fig. 4. Another arm 282, also integral with latch lever 211, extends sidewardly and lies in the path encountered by a pin 283 secured in the downwardly and rightwardly extending terminus 284 of a dashpot plunger 285, Figs. 2 and 4. The latter, pivotally secured to a check valve in the dashpot housing 286, acts to cushion the final movement of the carriage return mechanism which will now be described. In this manner latch lever 211, being placed into a carriage return initiating condition under the control of a signal and maintaining this conditionuntil the carriage is in fact so returned, performs as a protracted stimulus for a function whose response is I inherently dilatory.

Carriage return The transverse shiftable carriage I11, Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 8, comprises essentially a pair of rack bars 288 and 289 between which there is received the rack beam 29L In the illustrated manner of construction, hardened strips 292 are inserted in both rack bars 288 and 209 as well as in. rack beam 29I. Between opposing strips 292 there are freely carried the pinion rollers 293, see especially Fig. 2. Each roller comprises an intermediate pinion which meshes with opposite ones of the strips 292, adjacent flange sections which are beveled to conform with the recesses on both sides of the strips 292, and stub shafts 294 which protrude between the space intervening each of the rack bars 288 and 289 and their intermediate rack beam 29L At each end of the lowermost transverse shiftable carriage I11 is a stop 295 for limiting the direction is propelled 'by the aforedescribed spacer gear I83 which is freely journaled upon stub shaft IBI. Gear I83, see especially Fig. 7, is constructed in the same manner as is each of the pinion rollers 293 having the side flanges 299, the foremost one of which is provided with a relatively. smaller opening, adapted to fit the reduced section 291 of shaft I8I and to confine thereby the assembly including pinion I94 and flange I9I against longitudinal displacement with respect to shaft I8I.

Meshing with the strips 292 of the upper rack bar 289, gear I83 is instrumental in moving the carriage. assembly rightwardly and leftwardly and in'this capacity is actuated by the large driving gear 298 whose periphery is partially studded with teeth that mesh with the aforedescribed pinion I84, see Figs. 2, 5, and 8. Pinion I89 of considerable width in order that the teeth of large driving gear 298 may be maintained in mesh both during the shift and un-. shift positions of the carriage assembly I11 whose movement is coincident with that of shaft I8I, sleeve I89, and therefore pinion I84.

Large driving gear 298 is part of an assembly which includes a drum 281, Fig. 2, for housing a carriage return spring 299, see also Fig. 28. One end of spring 299 is secured as at 30I, Fig. 24, to the drum 28?, while its other end is secured to a sleeve 302 which is integrally formed with a ratchet wheel 393. The latter is provided with an opening into which there fits the flat sided extremity 304 of a sleeve 395, the foremost end of which protrudes as may be seen in Fig. 4, with a recessed head having in its face the screw driver notches 306. Ratchet wheel 303 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise, in accordance with the urge of wound involute spring because of the intervention of a latch pawl 30! which is formed with a pair of ratchet teeth 399 and 399. By rocking pawl 301 counterclockwise about itspivot, tooth 308 may be withdrawn from engagement with the ratchet wheel, but by the same movement tooth 309 is moved into position to encounter an oncoming ratchet wheel tooth in escapement manner. So too, during the clockwise movement of latch pawl 301, when its tooth 909 is Withdrawn from engagement with ratchet, wheel 393, the other tooth 308 thereof is concurrently moved into position to intercept an oncoming ratchet wheel tooth. The reciprocation pawl 301 alternately permits ratchet wheel 303 to pass one of its teeth by the latch teeth 398 and 309 and in this manner an overwound condition of spring 299 may be intermittently dissipated until a desired tension is attained.

A predetermined residual force is stored in spring 299, but during the successive spacing operations of piston 2II, additional force is stored in the spring when bell crank 268 is reciprocated, engaging as it does so, consecutive teeth of a flange ratchet 309 integrally formed with drum 281. When air is admitted to the chamber of piston 2| I, the latter is forced downwardly, engaging with its node 263 the hump 269 of lever 265, rocking the latter clockwise about its pivot 286 and against the tendency of its return spring 3I2, Fig. 2. This carries bell crank 298 downwardly, ratcheting its tooth so as to engage another of the teeth of flange ratchet 31 I Thereafter when piston 2 is permitted to return, spring 3I2 rocks lever 265 counterclockwise causing bell crank 268 to rotat fla g ratchet 3H and the carriage spring assembly counterclockwise as viewedv in Figs. 2 and 4. As this is done, the teeth of large drive gear 298 meshed with pinion I34 imparts a single space movement to the carriage which is driven by the rack gear I83, and at the same time there is stored additional kinetic force in spring 293.

As gear 233 is being moved counterclockwise, a hook 3I3, Fig. 2, formed on the periphery thereof is withdrawn from engaging a transverse pin 3M carried by the dashpot plunger 235. The latter is inclined to follow hook 3l3 for a predetermined distance under the influence of its restoration spring 3I5 which connects depending arm 3I3 with the spring binding post 3 ll. After plunger 2% has been withdrawn from dashpot 383 its full extent, the continued rotation of large driving gear 29.8 causes hook 313 to recede, as indicated in Fig. 2, and thus continues to do in accordance with the width of line which is being printed or in terms of the carriage return mechanism, in accordance with the linear movement of the carriage II'I.

When a carriage is released in a manner which will be described later, gear 298 is freed. to rotate clockwise under impetus of spring 293. At a point in its travel, hook 3I3 encounters transverse .pin 3I4 of dashpot plunger 235 and the momentum is instantly checked by the cushioning effect of the dashpot 283. When all of the fluid in dashpot 286 has escaped, its bar 285 will have receded into the position illustrated in Fig. 4, at which time hook 3I3 may assume a relative position, also as illustrated in this figure. Thus it will be understood that the dashpot 233 functions to check the final portion of travel of carriage return gear 238 so that its spring 239 may not cause a violent impact.

For initiating the carriage return function, there is provided a special piston indicated 3i 8 having a node 3H3 which rests against the upturned end of piston follower 274. When this piston is actuated and accordingly moved downwardly, it causes three-armed lever 2'I32'I5 to be rotated counterclockwise about pivot 263 withdrawing retaining pawl 213 from the teeth of flange ratchet 3H, and engaging with its arm N5 the rounded portion 212 of arm HI, in this manner withdrawing the feed teeth of bell crank 268 from engaging with flange ratchet 3II. Accordingly, the actuation of piston 3E3, by withdrawing both the feed pawl and the holding pawls 233 and 233 from engaging with flange ratchet 3I l, permits the entire assembly including gear 293 to respond to the urge of the involute spring 239 and rotate in a clockwise direction until, as aforedescribed, its hook 313 encounters the dashpot plunger 285. The introduction of a fluid impulse into the chamber of piston 3I3 is supervised in accordance with one of the code combinations or settings of the selector plates I23-I2'I.

While the time interval during which the carriage return signal is receivable, and manifest as a mechanical response, is in fact essentially brief and of such extent only as would suffice to effect one of the printing mechanism operations, means has been provided in the embodiment of the latch lever 271 for prolonging, as a stored impulse, the carriage return signal, permitting the more rapid and continuous distribution of received signals while yet giving to a slower responding instrumentality (the carriage return mechanism in the instant case) a controlling stimulus commensurate in duration to its peculiar requirements.

Another function, the details of which are illustrated in Fig. 4, is the line feed operation, and for this the piston 32I is actuated by being forced upwardly throughout a distance which may be regulated by an adjustable stop screw 322. In so doing, the engagement of piston 32! with pin I83 causes to be rocked counterclockwise, Fig. 4, the stub shaft I8! which at its foremost portion carries the aforedescribed line feed arm I32, Fig. 2. Observing now Figs. 2, 5, 26, and 27, it will be noted that upon theend of line feed arm I82 there is freely pivoted a follower roller 323 which rides within a channel bar 324 situated within the carriage unit I ll. Channel 324 is carried upon end arms 325 which are pivoted at 325, Fig. 5, on side walls 321 'of the carriage assembly. A feed pawl 328, Fig. 2'7, is pivotally secured at 329 to a supporting bracket 33i which is integral with the channel 324. As the channel 324 is rocked about the pivots 323, itforces pawl 328, during the counterclockwise movement, toengage a subsequent tooth in a ratchet wheel 332 associated integrally with the platen I37, and during its clockwise movement to advance printing platen I61 and its assembly one tooth distance which corresponds to a line feed'distance on the periphery of said platen.

A detent roller 333 carried at one end of a jockey lever 334 is urged by spring 335' against the teeth of ratchet wheel 332, or if preferred, a star wheel having teeth which align longitudinally with the teeth of ratchet wheel 332 may be employed for this purpose which serves to maintain the platen in regular line feed adjustment.

The direct mechanical connection between line feed piston 32I and the feed pawl 328 operable in the same manner during both the shift and unshift conditions of the carriage as well as the relatively short action required on the part of shaft IBI and its associated parts accounts, it isv believed, to a major extent for the relatively instantaneous response of the line feed apparatus as a result of which no momentary storage,

device such as lever 21'! in the case of the carriage return, is required. Accordingly, this function too, is made to perform within the cyclic span of its initiating signal.

An ink ribbon is supported upon a pair of reels 336 and 331 which alternately serve as winding and unwinding reels in the manner of conventional ribbon advancing devices. The ink ribbon 338 traverses the proximity of the printing locus but is designed to normally assume a position aback the point at which the type bars strike the platen so as to afford visibility even to the most recently printed characters on the platen. For this purpose, the printing ribbon 338 is threaded through a pair of guides 339 which are carried by a vertically shiftable plate 3M. Pivoted to the plate 3 at 342 is a bell crank lever 333 and at 344 a link 335 connects bell crank lever 343 with one arm of a secondary bell crank lever 346, see Figs. 1, 4, 7, and 10. The other arm of bell crank 333 is connected by means of a link 3 31 with an anchored pivot carried by lever 265.

It will be recalled that lever 23% is reciprocated during each printing operation or other function except in those instances which are controlled by valve 235. Accordingly, the reciprocation .of lever 235 is utilized through the aforedescribed mechanical train to shift the ribbon guides 339 into and away from the printing locus. Thus,

there is provided a means for exposing .at all times for observation that portion of the printing platen which carries the. 'most recently I Attention is directed again to Fig- 26 which features the space feed mechanism control valve 206. Here it'will be noted that intervening contiguous ones of the pistons 202 and 205 is an annular space which is provided as a result of spacer nodes, one of which terminates each piston. An endmost plug 348 is threaded to the base casting I48 at 349 and affords a space between itself and the piston 205.

Above, and by chance in parallel alignment with, the cylindrical opening which supports the series of pistons 202 to 206 isa smaller cylindrical opening within which there is housed a valve comprising a rear piston 3 5I and a fore piston:

352 connected by a relatively thin link 353.

Three duct openings communicate with this chamber which are indicated 354, 355 and 356. Theforemost portion of fore piston 352 is grooved and thereby is connected by a yoke 35! with a plunger 358. The latter extends intoa. cylindrical opening which parallels the valvular open ing just described and behind plunger 358 there resides a coil spring 36I, Fig. 7, which in urging plunger 358 forwardly communicates a similar tendency to the valvular assembly 35I352by means of the yoke 351.

Case shift As may be noted from 'L which shown with the carriage in shift position and rackbeam 29 I spaced away from the front face 359 of, base casting I48, spring 36I urges the assembly out-f wardly, to the extent indicated, only when the carriage is shifted. Coincident with this occurrence, the annular space surrounding thin link 353 is made to align with the openings 355 and 356, Fig. 26, whereas at other times when the assembly is maintained inwardly, the annular space surrounding thin link 353 connects opening- 355 with opening 354. The three openings just mentioned coincide with theopenings 352, 363, and 364 of partitioning shim I5I, Fig. 11-. In partitioning element I 52, Fig. 12, opening 362 coincides with one end of a channel 365, while openings 363 and 364 extend through openings-366a and 361a, Fig. 12, and366b, and 3611), Fig. 13, and connect with the channels 3660 and 36'Ic of partitioning element I54, Fig. 14.

Channel 365 connects with an 'opening'368- in partitioning shim I5I and thereafter the course leads to the chamber of an operating piston in: the manner of the general class of operating piswith disclosed how in a pneumatic operating mechanism those certain functions, may be assigned a selecting signal qualified or preceded by a shift signal, where the principal selecting sig-,

nal unaccompanied by a shift signal has'already There occur special,

been utilized for performing another and per haps more convention function.

Thus, as has been said, in the unshift condition, Fig. 26, valve 35I352 connects opening 355 with opening 354, whereas during the shift condition, the same valve connects opening 355 with opening 356. Opening 355 has been traced above as far as partitioning element I53 where it is manifest as opening 33%. In partitioning element I54, it connects with a channel 355c which in turn aligns with an opening 359 in partitioning. shim I55, and ultimately with a channel 3' in partitioning element I56. It may be seen that channel 3' leads directly over to one of the openings I46 or I41 of base casting I48 which is one of the basic thirty-two selections. Opening, 3611) is traceable to channel 36l'c in partitioning element I54 which connects with the openings 3'I2,.3'I2a and 3121) of elements I53, I52 and I5I, respectively, terminating eventually in, the piston chamber of a type bar operating piston I58.

When the apparatus is in its unshift position, valve 35I-352 delegates a particular signal to the function of actuating said type bar piston, and accordingly to perform a printing operation, but when the apparatus is in its shift position, valve 35I-352 delegates the particular impulse (fluid surge) to the function of performing some special utility. In this connection, it is to be observed that the indicated manner of utilizing case shift attributes for the performance of special functions may be enlarged in accordance with the principles herein disclosed to embrace any desired number of signals sothat accordingly a permutation code having an inherently limited number of selective possibilities may in this manner he made subservient to a large number of selective possibilities.

Operation For convenience in affording a concise and organized conception of the workings of the present invention, there has been portrayed in Fig. 25 a-pneumatic circuit with conventional representations of each of the vital or major elements indicated concisely. -While some of the symbols are not identical with the principle showing in theotherof the figures, yet each is suggestive thereof for the purpose of representing its class of mechanism in order. that a complete schematic illustration may be arranged in a single view.

Telegraphic signals received over a line are impressed upon the electromagnet 55 while an electric motor imparts frictional rotation to a single rotary driven shaft indicated 21. All other operating organs are actuated by air under pressure, or more generally speaking, any suitable operatingfiuid which lends itself to the control and operation of pneumatic organs.

During each half revolution, a complete cycle of operation is consummated; that is to say, while the-shaft 21 is undergoing of rotation, five fluid pulsations are delivered from a source of supply 34 in accordance with a permutation code to the five pairs of pistons Iii! to H2 and I 07a. to I I2a; Also during the same span a probing-fluid is admitted from a source 35 which seeks out and consummates a selective function printing, case shift, line feed, etc. Accordingly, upon the start of a second half revolution, i. e., another cycle, the selector plates are free to be immediately moved in accordance with the signal elements of an oncoming permutation code signal.

As the electromagnet 55 is energized and deenergized in accordance with the alternative line conditions of conventional telegraphic systems. an armature 46 is made to fluctuate, registering a fluid supply source 34 alternatively with a pair of openings 44 or 45. The openings 44 and 45 communicate alternatively with a two-phased distributor plate 26 which functions to direct the fluid surges or pulsations to release the start controlling piston 86 as well as to distribute certain ones of the fluid surges selectively over predetermined paths indicated generally by the representative reference characters N32 to Hit and 102a to Mia.

The fluid conducting openings IGZ-HJG, etc., communicate with a series of pairs of selector operating pistons I01 to H2. Each pair of pistons, for example Ill! and mm, operates in a reciprocatory manner; that is to say, the actuation of one piston causes to be restored to unactuated condition its companion piston since each pair is mechanically linked together by means of a lever arrangement H3 or H8. The condition of each pair of pistons through the medium of a mechanical linkage is manifest upon an associated selector plate I23 to I21, while in accordance with each individual arrangement of the several of said selector plates, there is aligned a transverse series of openings affording an avenue through which a stream of operating fluid from the supply branch is thereafter admitted to one of the selectable openings (thirtytwo in a 5-unit system) indicated I46 and M7. The admission of the selecting fluid from source 35 is regulated by timing cam 3| mounted on shaft 21 which first admits the air into an antechamber acting upon elastic diaphragm 256 to compress the several plates I23 to I21 and thereafter the selecting fluid is permitted to flow through a valvular nozzle 255 for finding the aforementioned selective alignment of openings.

The selectable destination openings I46 and I4! lead to divers types of operating pistons the majority of which comprise a class indicated I58 whichv actuate type bar elements lfil. Certain operating pistons are utilized in the execution of so-called stunts. Toward this end, the piston Z! l, for example, performs the space feeding for advancing printing carriage either independently or in conjunction with each printingoperation. Thus, the piston 2| l is operable in response to an independent selection,- or by means of a valve rod 239. This piston may be actuated as a cyclic performance conjointly with each printing operation. In Fig. 26 there is illustrated a method whereby a cyclically occurring function may be intercepted or prevented from operating under the control of certain several excepted conditions. In accordance with a series of control pistons 202 to 285 a by-pass valve 2% is regulated so as to cut off the fluid supply channel which cyclically actuates piston 2! I. y

A piston 32I is controlled by an assigned selected opening M6 or I41 and functions to line feed the platen.

7 Also in Fig. 26 there is illustrated an adaptation of case shift valve 35l-352 by means of which certain of the aforementioned thirty-two basic selective possibilities may, under the control of a case shift conditioning operation, be made to serve an additional function, thus increasing the total selective possibilities afforded by a mathematically limited code.

While the present invention has been explained and described in contemplation of a specific embodiment. it will be understood nevertheless that.

modifications and, variations may be made Without departing from thespirit or scope of the. inventive concept. Accordingly, the invention is not tobe limited to the specific details of the accompanying drawings nor to the language of the foregoing specification, except as indicated by the hereinafter appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a selector mechanism, a set of alternatively positionable plates having perforations distributed in. accordance with a permutative plan so that for each distributive arrangement, an individual alignment of perforations is established traversing said plates, a pair of pneumatic actuating means associated with each of said plates for moving it from each of its alternative positions to the other, and a rotary distributing organ having communication with said pneumatic actuating means cyclically.

2. In a pneumatic selecting mechanism, a series of permutably shiftable selector plates, 2. pair of pneumatic actuating elements associated with each plate for shifting it into alternative selecting positions, a rotary distributing mechanism having communication with each pair of said pneumatic operating elements concurrently and in accordance with a predetermined succession, and electrically controlled means for admitting operating fluid to one of said pair of elements during said communication and allowing the fluid to escape from. the other of said pair of elements.

3.. In a selector mechanism, a series of plates having perforations distributed in accordance with a permutative plan whereby for each arrangement of said plates an individual alignment of perforations is afforded traversing said series of plates, pneumatic actuating means associated with said plates, and a signal controlled fluid distributing. element having cyclic. communication with each of said pneumatic actuating means for operating them in accordance with a particular signal and for thereby causing to be moved said plates directly from a previous settingto accord with the signal elements of a succeeding setting.

4. In 'a pneumatic system, means for selectively establishing fluid communication from a source of supply to one of a plurality of fluid conduits comprising a series of plates intervening said source of supply and said conduits and having their perforations arranged to afford an individual transverse alignment for. each permutative distribution of said plates, clamping means for sealing said plates by compressing them contiguousl'y, a pair of fluid operated pistons-associated with each plate for moving it into alternative positions, and a cyclically operating rotary member having communication during a portion of each cycle with each pair of said operating pistons and during another portion of each cycle with said clamping means.

5. In a pneumatic distributing organ, a rotary.

bi-cyclic member having at opposite points thereof a pair of intake ports and a pair of exhaust ports for conducting selective fluid surges, a pair of intake ports and a pair of exhaust ports for conducting fluid start pulsations, andapair of projections to' be encountered for arresting said rotary member, a body having fluid conductive openings arranged in diametric oppositionto each other, and fluid supply openings arranged'to communicate with said pair of selective fluid intake ports, and an arresting lever cooperating with said projections and pneumatically controlled by said fluid start pulsations.

6. In a pneumatic distribution system, a plu- 

